La Fuente del Sol - Antequera, Spain 

This hotel is really out in the middle of nowhere, but it's quiet and beautiful when you finally get there. Rooms are of ample size, but without air conditioning (maybe a problem in summer). Staff was very friendly and arranged to do our laundry quickly and at reasonable cost. Hotel grounds were beautiful, but there was significant construction in progress when we visited. Dinner at the hotel was acceptable, but disappointing given the pleasant lunch we had had earlier. The staff wasn't able to handle the number of people there, and the kitchen seemed intent on making international-style food with little regional character. However we really enjoyed the cask oloroso sherry after dinner. This is a Relais du Silence. Families with small children might feel uncomforable. The national park Torcal de Antequera is about 30 minutes away, and offers hiking with spectacular views and unusual rock formations.

My wife and I spent a few days here in April. We chose this hotel because of the rave reviews of others on Trip Advisor and because it is now a member of the Relais du Silence group. I have to agree with almost all the reviews, this place is heavenly. The staff - Maria, Esther and Stefania at the front desk, Juan in the dinning room and everyone else we met were genuinely friendly, outgoing and personable. It was a real pleasure just sitting and chatting with everyone. They provided inside tips on dining, touring, what to avoid, what to see etc. They were fabulous. The property was undergoing some construction which took away from the peace and quiet but that was truly minor compared to the rude, inconsiderate and truly annoying group of guests that arrived on our second day. Apparently they were friends of the owners and decided that this gave them the right to take over the property. An innumerable amount of small children that redefine the term "noisy rug rats" were foisted onto the staff and other guests. Their parents spent their time drinking, smoking and totally neglecting these little ruffians who delighted in screaming expletives at each other at all hours of the day and night. These parents would spend hours at the small bar getting louder and louder until staff would ask them to go to bed at 0300 in the morning. This meant they would then wander the hallways, half-cut, yelling at each other, laughing loudly and making absolute asses of themselves. The staff were at the end of their tether by the second night of this mob's stay. The hotel is excellent, the staff are second to none, the kitchen is wonderful and the location is marvelous. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the Spanish countryside. My only caveat is, check your dates. If it is a Spanish long weekend or Bank holiday - confirm that the owners haven't invited their friends!